David's Great Adventure - 2023

Sri Lankan Airlines safely flew me to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport on Sunday, April 23. I had breakfast in the business lounge prior to departing.  Fun shapes with fruit - Bangkok lounge Ready for an adventure Breakfast for champions I had pre-arranged for taxi ride from airport to hotel. Always great to see your name on a small signboard as you are exiting the baggage area. By end of 40 minute ride, Mahi, my taxi driver, had invited me to his home should I be in the Galle area, about 100+ km south of Colombo, during my visit. We exchanged contact info so we could stay connected through WhatsApp. In fact, he set up a hotspot on his phone so I could connect with him. Note to self: get a local SIM card at the airport if you are planning to be in the country an extended period.  Colombo I stayed for three nights at Colombo Lakeside - a four star hotel in the city's core - close to the Colombo Fort central train station. Hotel was fabulous. Great room/outdoor po...

And I'm off on my latest travel adventure. 1:40 am departure on Saturday, April 15 to Bangkok connecting through Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific. Hong Kong is a 'short' 14.5 hours from Toronto. Arrived in Hong Kong to a deserted airport - it was 4:30 am after all. Enough layover time to have a shower, shave and change clothes for a much warmer climate.  Arrived Bangkok on Sunday, April 16 at 10:30 am local time. Total travel time including layover - about 21 hours. Decided to travel to my hotel by taking the rail link from the airport connecting with Sky Train that has a stop about 10 minute walk to my hotel. I had reservations at the Adelphi Grande, same hotel I stayed at in my first visit to Bangkok in 2020. Taking the train/Sky Train combination was a fateful decision. Unfortunately, I had my wallet stolen (pickpocketed) which had my debit and credit cards along with a small amount of cash. On the plus side, I had my passport and my main supply of cash in a separate pocket. ...